Two Steps Beyond
Part 90
When Blaine finally heard from his parents Saturday morning, he and Sebastian were still curled up in bed. While Blaine spoke with his Dad, Sebastian quietly asked if Blaine wanted some coffee before sliding out of bed. After Blaine answered, he heard a slight change in his Dad's voice. "Relax Dad."
"What are you talking about?"
"The instant you heard Bas's voice your tone changed."
"No it didn't."
"Dad, it did. And before you let your imagination go wild nothing was happening. We both just took the opportunity to sleep in this morning." And Blaine wasn't necessarily lying to his Dad, nothing was going on when he called as they'd just finished a few minutes prior. "Now, are we going to be seeing you and Mom before you leave?"
"That's what I was calling about. We were wondering if it was okay if we swung by before heading to the airport. That is unless you and Seb have plans."
"That works perfect for us. We're just hanging at home today since we both have a bit of work to do. When will you be by?"
"If we come by in about an hour is that alright?"
"That's perfect. We'll see you then." Blaine had just ended the call when Sebastian came walking back in with a cup of coffee for each of them. "They'll be here in about an hour."
"Sounds good, we'll have time for a shower before they get here." Sebastian said as he handed Blaine his cup. "But breakfast will have to wait."
"I think I'll survive. Oh, fair warning. If my Dad seems off when they get here ignore it."
"Why would he seem off?"
"He thinks he interrupted us." If Sebastian hadn't just swallowed he probably would've spat his coffee all over their bed. "You're kidding?"
"Nope."
"Well, if he called any earlier he would've."
"I know that. But if he'd called earlier I would've ignored it. So, how about we take that shower?"
By the time Blaine's parents arrived, Sebastian and Blaine were already working on their homework. "Judging from all those books you boys look like you have a long day ahead of you." Mrs. Anderson said once they each took a seat.
"It looks worse than it really is." Sebastian replied. "Three of those books are for one class. But yes, a good portion of our day will be spent studying."
"And the rest?"
"We have a video call scheduled with Logan and Jacob this afternoon."
"Why do those names sound familiar?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"Because they're Warblers dear, right boys?"
"Mom is correct." Blaine replied. "They sent us some stuff yesterday that they needed help with and we were able to do it."
"That was nice of you." Mr. Anderson said.
"Only doing what others have done. I can't tell you how many times we called Wes after he graduated to help us out. Now, Cooper mentioned a conference Dad. Where is it?"
"Chicago. I leave Monday morning which is why your Mom and I are going home today. And before we leave, we want to apologize."
"For?"
"Not calling and talking to you before we showed up."
"Apology accepted."
"Blaine."
"Mom, it's fine. I understand why you did it, okay. But next time, if you're worried about me…talk to me."
"We will, promise."
"Thank you. Now, did you enjoy your time with Cooper, Lexi, and the kids?"
"We did. We made the most of it realizing we probably won't see them again till Christmas." The way she looked at them Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other.
"I guess that means Cooper told you our plans for Thanksgiving." Both of Blaine's parents nodded. "We were going to tell you. It's just with everything else that was going on it sort of slipped my mind."
"It's alright; we understand your desire to go away. And if I had to choose between having you guys home for Thanksgiving or Christmas you know what I'd prefer."
"Glad to know we were right." Blaine said with a slight laugh, as he was relieved that his parents weren't upset. "Since we won't be coming home what are you guys going to do?"
"We'll probably spend it with your grandparents." Mr. Anderson replied. "But I should probably warn you, since you won't be home for Thanksgiving, expect to see them over Christmas."
"I figured as much. I'm sorry we didn't get to spend more time with you."
"No apologies necessary. You had school work to do. We never expect you to drop things to spend time with us."
"By chance do you guys know how things went on my Dad's trip? I haven't really had the chance to talk to him since then."
"It was successful Seb." Mr. Anderson told him. "He accomplished everything he wanted."
The rest of the time Blaine's parents were there, the conversation turned to what was going on in the boys lives. Blaine and Sebastian could both hear a sense of relief in their voices when they heard the transition to college was going smoothly. And they happened to catch them off guard when they told them they were doing another shoot for Tasha. After a quick glance at the calendar Blaine and Sebastian realized the shoot was only two weeks away. By the time Blaine and Sebastian had gotten them caught up on everything that was going on in their lives it was time for Blaine's parents to leave. "Now, you know I'll be expecting a call to know you got home safely." Blaine said to them as he and Sebastian walked them to the door.
"I think that can be arranged." Mr. Anderson told him before giving each of the boys a hug. "Remember, if you guys need anything…"
"We'll call." Blaine replied as Sebastian was getting a hug from his Mom. Once Mrs. Anderson let go of Sebastian she wrapped her arm around Blaine. "Make sure you let us know when that cast comes off."
"I will. I love you."
"I love you too Mom. You guys have a safe flight."
Once Blaine closed the door Sebastian wrapped his arms around him. "Your parents are adorable."
"They are, aren't they?" Blaine said before leaning up to give him a kiss. "How about we go make something to eat, I'm starving."
"Works for me."
They were lying down on the couch after finishing up the bulk of their homework when Blaine's laptop rang. "Is it already that time?" Blaine said softly as he sat up so that Sebastian could sit up as well.
"Seems like it." After giving each other a once over Blaine accepted the incoming call.
"Sorry, must've connected wrong because you two are not the dapper former Warblers we were trying to reach." Logan said with a laugh.
"Ha. Ha. Ha." Sebastian replied. "This is what a Saturday looks like for a college student smartass."
"You were wrong man, that's totally them." Jacob said. "Patented Seb. How are you guys doing?"
"We're doing well." Blaine replied. "How about you guys? Are you dealing with the craziness of running the council?"
"Let's say we've called Thad and Dave probably more than we'd like to admit." Logan said. "But they've been more than happy to help."
"If they lead you to believe they didn't need help they're lying. They called Wes and David a bunch too."
"That's good to know. Now, did you guys get a chance to look at the arrangements we sent?" Jacob asked.
"We did, the corrections and tweaks have already been sent to you." Sebastian replied. "When I got home last night Blaine was already working on them with some help from Nick, Jeff, Santana, and Brittany. I've got to tell you, we were all impressed with your song selection."
"Thank you." Logan replied. "We felt the sooner we locked in song choices the more time we'd have to work on them."
"Speaking of, you guys should probably open the email I sent you and see what we did. Bas figured out why the one number didn't sound right."
"What was it?" Jacob asked.
"There's a slight key change in the original." Sebastian said. "But it resorts back immediately after that verse."
"Thank you."
"You might not want to thank us yet as we also have a bit of advice for you guys. Know it doesn't just come from Bas and I. Some of the ideas were Nick and Jeff's which Bas and I completely agreed with."
"I told you the five part harmony was a stupid idea!" Logan said to Jacob upon reading some of their notes.
"It wasn't stupid, just a bit soon. We all feel you need more time around each other to do something like that."
"B's right. We'd all support the choice for Regionals. But this early you guys still need to get to know what you're all capable of."
"You guys have got a point." Jacob said. "It's just last year you guys sounded amazing when you did it."
"Thanks, but you have to remember how many years we were all together before we tried something like that." Blaine told them. "What do you think of our other recommendations?"
"They're similar to ones we'd been thinking about. And I like how you guys filled out the sound on the finale." Logan told them.
"We're glad you approve." Sebastian said. "Now, we know this can't be going perfectly as the start of the year never is. What's your weak spot?" Blaine and Sebastian noticed the two of them look at each other. "Guys?"
"This might sound weird, but it was easier choosing Logan as the new lead soloist than finding someone to replace Beat. The guys are trying, but…they're not as locked in." Jacob told them.
"Are they the same guys doing it that supported Beat last year?" Blaine asked to which they both nodded. "Have them call Beat and ask him how he became our backbone. It's a subtle trick but one that they'll probably accept better hearing it from him."
"We can do that." Logan said. "Are you guys going to be coming home at all?"
"We'll be home at Christmas." Sebastian replied. "Why?"
"Just curious. Is it just going to be you two or…"
"Everyone is coming home." Blaine said before Logan had a chance to finish. "And we'll be home in time for Winter Fest."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. So make sure your Christmas show doesn't disappoint." Sebastian said which earned him a playful shove from Blaine.
"We're already playing with song ideas." Jacob told them. "If we learned anything from you guys is the sooner we choose music the more time we have to work on it."
"What you don't want to be like the New Directions and pick numbers only a week or two before hand?" Blaine said jokingly which caught Sebastian off-guard.
"Not really. You guys left big shoes to fill and we don't want to disappoint." Logan told them. "If you guys saw the number of people to audition this year you would've been shocked. We even had to say no to people wanting to join the Junior Warblers."
"Before one of us forgets, you guys need to check out the Warbler channel?" Jacob said.
"Which channel, the pass coded one or the open one?" Sebastian asked.
"Pass coded. We recorded all the auditions this year since there were so many of them."
"Do I even want to ask?" Blaine said.
"Once you see them, you'll understand." Logan told them. "We just had to share them with the rest of you."
"Can we get a hint?" Sebastian asked.
"Let's say some of the guys watched too many Warbler videos and we got numerous interpretations of songs the both of you did." Jacob told them. "And let's say the performances were enough to make us want to cry. They were really bad."
"One last thing and we'll let you guys go."
"And what is that Logan?" Blaine asked.
"Do you guys know if Nick and Jeff happen to be home?"
"I'm not sure, why?"
"Well, we…need to talk to them." Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other and then back at the guys.
"If this is about what we think it's about, tread lightly." Sebastian told them.
"And just what do you think it's about." Jacob asked.
"Megan and Ally." The way the two boys looked at each other Sebastian and Blaine knew their instinct was correct. "I can't speak for them, but if the two of them don't object remind the guys they won't only have to deal with them. They'll have to deal with the rest of us as well if those two get their hearts broken."
"Oh, we know that." Logan said. "The older guys aren't going to go near them; it's the younger guys that are interested. And we've told them to basically back off until we talk to Jeff and Nick."
"That's an excellent idea." Blaine told them. "But I'd wait to talk to them till Monday."
"Why is that?"
"Because Nick really only gets to spend time with Santana on the weekend. So interrupting his time with her might not be in your best interest."
"Duly noted."
Once they got off the call Blaine and Sebastian just looked at each other. "Whoever is crazy enough to date either of those two better be careful." Sebastian said as they got comfortable on the couch again.
"No kidding. I'm pretty sure neither of them is quite ready for their sisters to start dating. And it would be worse if they're dating someone they know."
"It could be worse, but at the same time it might not be that bad. Think of it this way, I think they'd prefer to know whoever it is, versus being left in the dark. It's not like they'll be able to screen the guys being out here."
"True. And if it's one of the guys they like it would be a good thing, but…"
"If it's someone they don't like, all hell will break loose."
"Basically. What did you think when you found out Cooper was my brother?"
"I was relieved even though I knew he was a bit goofy from everything you'd ever told me."
"Why relieved?"
"Because I had a feeling that while he might be goofy, he'd be as sweet as you are and Lexi deserved someone like that. And after seeing them together I knew my instincts were right. I wasn't kidding when I told you I'd never seen her so happy. Now, answer the same question."
"I was shocked since I didn't know you had a sister."
"Sorry about that."
"It's alright. Then at the same time I was shocked she'd be dating my brother considering the idiots he'd dated in the past."
"How'd you know she wasn't an idiot?"
"There was something about the way she handles herself."
"I guess I could see that. Oh, you should've been with me the other day."
"Why?"
"Hunter was asking all sorts of questions about Thad."
"Did you by chance tell him that the brothers were alike?"
"I might've."
"Please tell me you left out what a ladies man Thad is."
"I did, as even Thad has said his brother is a bit more serious about dating since he's gotten older. So I reassured him that Cassie was in good hands. To which he glared at me." Blaine couldn't help but laugh. "I have a feeling Hunter is as uncomfortable thinking about his sister's sex life as I am."
"Well, if it makes Hunter feel better let him know Thad asked about Cassie."
"Are you serious?"
"Yep. I guess Donovan's had his heart broken a few times and he doesn't want to see it happen again. So I told him what I know about her which seemed to ease his mind a bit."
"That's good. Cassie is pretty awesome."
"So is Donovan." Blaine said as he laced his fingers with Sebastian's hand that he had wrapped around him. "Bas, do you have any more work you need to do today?"
"Only a slight bit of reading, why, what do you have in mind?"
"Well, since we gave up our date night to spend time with my parents I was just thinking we could do something."
"And what would you like to do B?"
"You're going to think it's silly."
"I might, but try me any way."
"Can we cook dinner together tonight?"
"That's actually an excellent idea. I can't remember the last time we did that. We do tend to have fun in the kitchen."
"That we do. I'll even whip us up something for dessert."
"Are you thinking romance in the dining room or here in the living room?"
"Let's us the dining room since I'm pretty sure the only time we've eaten in there since school started is when everyone is here for brunch. We've tended to eat out here lately or in the kitchen."
"Alright, now for the big question, do we need to go grocery shopping or are we good to go?"
"Depends on what we want to make."
"Then get your ass up so we can take a look."
Once they realized they needed a couple of things from the store, Blaine offered to go so that Sebastian could finish his reading while he was out shopping. While Blaine went to put some normal clothes on Sebastian began to read. He only planned to read till Blaine was out the door, then once he was gone he was going to set everything up. After changing, Blaine stopped by the living room to make sure there wasn't anything else Sebastian wanted him to pick up. Once he told there wasn't anything Blaine leaned down to give Sebastian a kiss before heading on his way.
No sooner did the door close, was Sebastian off the couch and headed for the dining room. After taking a look around, he opened a drawer in the banquet and pulled out a bunch of candles and holders. With everything that had been going on, the only thing on the table had been a crystal bowl in the middle. Deciding to take a cue from it, he went to the kitchen and filled up a pitcher of water and brought it back into the dining room. After filling it about halfway, he filled it with floating candles. Once that was done, he set up quite a few candles around it as he wanted them to not need the chandelier that evening, he wanted to eat completely by candlelight. By the time he was done, Sebastian was certain Blaine was going to laugh, but he was pleased with the way it looked as he'd used numerous sizes of candles to give it random affect while they were all strategically placed. If Blaine bought all of them, Sebastian sure as hell was going to use them.
Unaware of what was going on at home; Blaine was taking a bit more time shopping as he wanted to give Sebastian ample time to finish up what he was working on. After picking up everything that he and Sebastian needed for dinner, Blaine started to pick up items he needed for dessert. While Sebastian was the better cook of the two of them, Blaine was the better baker thanks to his Mom. With all of Sebastian's favorites running through his mind he wasn't quite sure what he was going to make till something caught his eye. He knew what he wanted to make, but he didn't want to have to call Sebastian to ask if they had a certain ingredient at home.
While he was pretty sure they had it, Blaine decided to pick up the necessary ingredients for a second desert as well. Of all the times for them to have been behaving and not drinking, he couldn't remember what was in the liquor cabinet. Once he had everything they needed, it was time to head home and get to work.